Rouen is a historical and cultural city, which has a rich architectural heritage. It also offers many attractions for visitors. Our AirBNB agency in Rouen makes you discover a selection of places to see absolutely during your stay.
Capital of Normandy, Rouen is a port city to visit. The city of a hundred steeples has been marked by history since Roman times. Its architecture bears witness to its past with its many Gothic churches, cobbled streets and medieval half-timbered houses. Both modern and traditional, the capital of Normandy is full of exceptional sites to discover. Bastien Douchet, director of the Concierge Rouen – YourHostHelper, is full of praise for his city: “Rouen is a superb city rich in history. It is closely linked to the story of Joan of Arc, for example, which attracts many visitors each year”.
City of Art and History, it has kept from its past, and despite the destruction of the war, an exceptional heritage of half-timbered houses and religious buildings. The director of the AirBNB concierge service in Rouen, Bastien Doucet, has therefore chosen to present you the emblematic places of the city to see during your visit.
Rouen's must-see monuments, presented by our AirBNB agency
Nothing better to start than the famous Cathedral Notre-Dame de Rouen, located in the heart of the city. Built in the 151th century, it suffered Allied bombardments during the Second World War. The Cathedral impresses with the height of its spire, which culminates at 28 meters, making it the highest in France. Inside the cathedral you will find the tombs of the Dukes of Normandy, such as Richard Coeur de Lion or Rollon, as well as a series of XNUMX paintings by Claude Monet, making the cathedral famous throughout the world.
Another architectural jewel of Normandy, the Saint-Maclou church, listed as a Historic Monument, is also a must in the city of Rouen. This Gothic building has a superb portal with five doors made of carved wood, and inside you will find a superb Gothic staircase as well as magnificent Baroque confessionals. Finally, note that the five bells of the church each have a name: Marie, Adrienne, Adèle, Joséphine and Léontine.
Saint-Ouen Abbey is also one of the remarkable places not to be missed during your visit to Rouen. This Benedictine monastery was one of the most powerful in Normandy during the 80th and XNUMXth centuries. The building is known for its great organ and for its XNUMX stained glass windows which give it a superb luminosity. Its impressive dimensions make it very close to Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, which is often confused with the abbey church. Right next to the building is the town hall of Rouen, which was at the time the dormitory of the monks of the Saint-Ouen abbey.
Must-visit museums in Rouen, selected by our concierge YourHostHelper
Impossible to visit Rouen without discovering the city's Museum of Fine Arts. Created in 1801 under Napoleon Bonaparte, the fine arts museum has continued to evolve over the years. Thus, it is now one of the most comprehensive museums in France. Inside you will find more than 8 works spread over 000 rooms, bringing together the greatest artists in Europe such as Renoir, Monet, Modigliani and Delacroix. All eras are covered and there are paintings, sculptures and a large number of decorative objects.
Rouen has also dedicated a museum to Joan of Arc, whose epic ended in Normandy. The Joan of Arc historial was thus born in her honor and is presented in the form of a show tour which presents her life to you thanks to innovative technologies. Thus, the visit begins in the dark and 3D projections and screens transport you directly to the Middle Ages for a most immersive experience. The historial will allow you to discover the life of Joan of Arc in a playful and lively way and will make you discover the history around her myth.
Among the other museums to see, the Natural History Museum of Rouen preserves nearly 800 objects of all kinds and will delight visitors, adults and children alike. The Ceramics Museum offers superb collections ranging from the 000th century to contemporary art. Finally, the maritime, river and port museum will tell you the story of the port of Rouen, and you will find there a lot of works dedicated to whaling, the merchant navy or even Charcot's polar expeditions. A superb museum for lovers of the maritime world.
The other must-see places in Rouen, chosen by our rental management agency
A must-see in Rouen, the big clock is one of the city's most emblematic monuments. Indeed, it is a construction dating from the Renaissance which spans the rue du Gros Horloge by an arch. A Gothic-style belfry is attached to it, housing the bell towers, as well as the clock of Rouen. Nearby, discover the Place du Vieux Marché, a historic place in the city centre. Formerly, the Saint-Sauveur church occupied this place before disappearing. It is also on this square that Joan of Arc was burned alive on May 30, 1431. A large cross also marks the location of the stake. We also find on this same square the Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc church, a building with original architecture.
Finally, leave the city center to take a nice breath of fresh air near the Jardin des Plantes, south of Rouen. Covering an area of 85 m², the Jardin des Plantes is the ideal place for a family outing. This park is also used for the conservation of plant species. Botanical enthusiasts, you will be able to observe plants from the five continents. In the center of the botanical garden, a 000-year-old greenhouse dominates the space. Within it, a variety of plants from arid environments, utility plants from the Mediterranean, and even carnivorous plants.
If you want to discover Rouen in a different light, you can go to the Sainte-Catherine hill. After climbing a staircase of approximately 525 steps, you will observe one of the most beautiful panoramas of Normandy and its capital. It is also here that the painter Claude Monet produced his work General view of Rouen in 1892. On his canvas, you can see the Notre-Dame cathedral and the Saint-Maclou church. To capture this magical moment, don't forget your camera. You will leave with a great image that you will remember for sure.
"Rouen is a destination of choice for travelers looking for an authentic and unique experience," concludes Bastien Douchet, director of the YourHostHelper agency in Rouen. It is an important cultural center that offers a variety of events and activities throughout the year. It is also a place full of history, which makes it fascinating”. So, what are you waiting for to come and discover the story of Joan of Arc and the other monuments of the capital of Normandy?
